Kroger Spinning Off $4 Billion Convenience Store Business?

The Kroger Co. has announced its intention to explore strategic alternatives for its $4 billion convenience store business, including a potential sale, as part of its Restock Kroger plan to redefine the food and grocery customer experience in America. This is the result of a review of assets that are potentially of more value outside of the company than as part of Kroger.

Kroger stock has free-fallen 40 percent since the announcement of Amazon’s Whole Foods acquisition earlier this year, but rose 1.2 percent on news of the potential cash windfall to close at $20.78.

“Our convenience stores are strong, successful and growing with the potential to grow even more,” said Chief Financial Officer Mike Schlotman. “We want to look at all options to ensure this part of the business is meeting its full potential. Considering the current premium multiples for convenience stores, we feel it is our obligation as a management team to undertake this review.”

“Our convenience store management and associates are an important part of our success. They put our customer first every day. We value what they do and thank them for what they will continue to do as we conduct this evaluation,” Schlotman said.

The company has hired Goldman Sachs & Co. to identify, review and evaluate the options.

Kroger’s 450,000 associates serve nearly nine million customers daily in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia.